About
A perennial to 20cm, producing a dense cluster of purple flowers up to 9cm across with a large boss of golden stamens, in early spring, followed by silky seedheads. The leaves emerge after the flowers and are very intricately divided and covered in silky, silvery hairs.
About the genus
Pulsatilla are herbaceous perennials forming clumps of finely dissected leaves, with solitary, hairy bell-shaped or cup-shaped flowers followed by silky-plumed seed-heads
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Rock garden, Patio and container plants
Native toC Europe, Ukraine
ToxicityCan cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in very well-drained soil in full sun; suitable for rock garden, scree or alpine bed. Resents disturbance and can be hard to establish
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or take root cuttings in the winter
Pest resistanceSlugs may eat the flowers
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free